through this approach. Such a person feeds people what they need, while eating only what is lawful and wholesome himself. Moreover, he can manage with less expenditure than the first type needs, for people have expectations of someone who takes for himself that they do not have of someone who exercises restraint. He also brings about improvements in people’s religious lives that the second type cannot, for restraint when one has power strengthens reverence for religion.

In the two Sahīh collections, Abū Sufyān ibn Harb reported that Heraclius, emperor of the Byzantines, asked him about the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “What does he command you to do?” He replied: “He commands us to pray, speak truthfully, exercise restraint, and maintain ties of kinship.”

A report states: “Allah revealed to Abraham, His close friend, peace be upon him: ‘Abraham, do you know why I took you as a close friend? Because I saw that giving was dearer to you than taking.’”

What we have discussed concerning provision and giving—generosity and conferring benefits—has its counterpart in patience and anger—courage and warding off harm.

People fall into three groups: those who become angry for their own sake and for their Lord’s sake; those who become angry neither for their own sake nor for their Lord’s sake; and the third, balanced group, who become angry for their Lord’s sake, not their own. Thus, in the two Sahīh collections, ‘Ā’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, never struck with his hand any servant of his, any woman, any animal, or anything at all, except when fighting in Allah’s cause; nor